Thailand plans wider crypto ETFs, regulator seeks stronger powers

• Current options limited to direct tokens or overseas funds.
• Binance and Kasikornbank driving crypto expansion in Thailand.
• SEC pushes bill for stronger oversight and enforcement powers.

Thailand is preparing to expand its cryptocurrency exchange-traded fund (ETF) plans to cover a broader range of tokens beyond Bitcoin, with the rollout expected in early 2025.

The move, led by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), comes at a time when the Thai stock market has fallen 7.6% this year, prompting regulators and institutions to explore digital assets as alternative investment options.

Alongside this expansion, the SEC is also pushing a bill to strengthen its oversight of the financial sector, including faster enforcement powers against insider trading and irregularities.

Thailand moves beyond Bitcoin ETFs

The Thai SEC has confirmed that rules are being drafted to enable mutual funds and institutions to launch ETFs that include baskets of cryptocurrencies instead of focusing only on Bitcoin.

Currently, Thai investors can only gain exposure through direct token purchases or by investing in asset managers that channel funds into overseas cryptocurrency ETFs.

The new initiative would make it possible for local products to track multiple assets at once, increasing the supply of investment options available to the market.

The regulator highlighted that younger investors are showing growing demand for crypto exposure in their portfolios as a form of diversification.

By broadening access, the SEC aims to respond to this demand while creating frameworks for safe investment vehicles that can be integrated into mainstream financial markets.

Crypto push accelerates across Thailand

Momentum in Thailand’s digital asset sector has grown steadily throughout 2024. Major international and domestic players, including Binance Holdings Ltd. and Kasikornbank Pcl, are targeting further growth in the local crypto space.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, regarded as a key figure in shaping the country’s economic direction, has been one of the most vocal supporters of crypto adoption, signalling political alignment with the sector.

The expansion of ETF products fits into broader efforts by the government and financial institutions to position Thailand as a regional hub for digital assets.

With tokenised investment products increasingly viewed as mainstream alternatives, the push could attract investors who are shifting away from underperforming traditional markets.

New bill to strengthen oversight

At the same time, the SEC is advancing a new bill designed to increase its powers in monitoring capital markets. If passed, the legislation would allow the regulator to suspend major transactions in cases where financial irregularities are detected.

It would also give the SEC authority to directly investigate insider trading and other market-impacting misconduct, instead of relying primarily on police resources.

The draft has already been cleared by the prime minister’s law-drafting body and is now awaiting parliamentary discussions.

According to the SEC, the goal is to speed up enforcement against wrongdoers and restore investor confidence in the fairness and stability of Thailand’s markets.

Balancing growth and risks

While the expansion of ETFs is expected to support investor participation in crypto assets, regulators are aware of the risks tied to volatility and market manipulation.

The new framework is being designed to ensure that investor protection measures are in place alongside broader access to products.

By combining market development with stronger enforcement mechanisms, the SEC aims to create a regulatory balance that supports growth without undermining financial stability.

The success of these measures will depend on how effectively institutions can launch diverse ETF offerings, how the public responds to new investment opportunities, and whether the oversight bill is passed into law.

Together, these initiatives mark one of Thailand’s most comprehensive moves yet to integrate crypto into its financial system.